The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association has again rubbished media reports that using self-tanning sprays may not be safe.

The Association is referring to one particular article by UK publication ‘The Sun’ whereby it questioned if “spray tans can give you cancer” whilst reporting on research that highlighted a link between dihydroxyacetone (DHA, the most commonly used self-tanning ingredient) and cancer.

“We would like to allay any worries this article might cause to the many consumers who enjoy sun-less tanning, and those who work in salons providing this treatment,” CTPA's website stated.

This is the second time the Association has spoken out on the matter.

Back in July, in the midst of similar stories reporting that DHA can become dangerous when inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream triggering asthma, lung cancer, and emphysema, CTPA asked that people take note of all the facts and research regarding self-tanning ingredients and not always believe the hype surrounding their safety.

Now, it's reiterating that; “There are no links between the use of dihydroxyacetone and cancer, as asked in The Sun’s headline, and furthermore, it is not based on any new research."

The Assocation also drives home that all cosmetic products are covered by strict safety laws and that it is “extremely confident in the safety of DHA, not least because the SCCS has recently looked at data to support the safe use of DHA in cosmetic formulations and its use in spray cabins.”

The ingredient causing all the debate…

The key ingredient in most self-tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It has been recently reviewed by the European Commission’s independent expert scientific committee which advises the Commission on scientific matters and the safety of cosmetic ingredients.

“The SCCS specifically addressed the question of the product possibly being inhaled from self-tan sprays and says the use of DHA as a self-tanning ingredient in spray cabins will not pose a risk to the health of the consumer.”

The Assocation concludes by pointing out that The Sun's article questions why non-FDA approved salons are allowed to operate; "All cosmetic products available in Europe are subject to strict cosmetic safety laws - where the FDA does not have any jurisdiction, so this question is only relevant to America."

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